Southwest Chicken Tenders

Name: Southwest Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup avocado oil or olive oil; 1/3 cup apple cider or white vinegar (Gluten-Free: Make sure your vinegar is gluten-free.); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, ground; 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders

★★★★★ 5 /5 Updated: 6/6/22

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This southwest chicken recipe is sure to please all the eaters in your house. It’s easy, healthy, freezer-friendly, and full of flavor but not spicy. You can bake it or–even better–grill it!

Southwest Chicken tenders on a white plate and on the grill

These Southwest Chicken Tenders take main stage in our Southwest Chicken and Bacon Wraps and Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls recipes. However, we’ve also learned that they are delicious on a salad or a chicken sandwich. There are so many ways to use them.

How to Make Southwest Chicken Tenders

Just check out how easily this southwest chicken recipe comes together…

Do I have to use chicken tenders for this Southwest Chicken recipe?

Heavens, no! We know our readers love versatility. The marinade will work for almost any cut of chicken. You can use it on:

Chicken breasts
Drumsticks
Thighs
And, of course, tenders.

southwest chicken marinade in a freezer bag with chicken breasts

What Ingredients are in the marinade?

As a mom of three younger kids, what I love about this marinade is that it’s so very flavorful but not too spicy. The resulting meal is a home run with all ages. Here’s what you’ll need:

Avocado or olive oil – Use a fairly neutral oil keeps things moist without an overpowering flavor.
Apple cider vinegar – Cider vinegar adds a delicious twist on the acid component but white vinegar will work.
Fresh chopped cilantro (or parsley) – Adds a pop of green and fresh flavor. Use dried parsley (half the amount) as a sub.
Chili powder – Smoky, subtle heat from ground chilis. Flavor can vary between brands.
Garlic powder – This pantry staple adds big (and convenient) garlic flavor that rounds out the whole marinade.
Ground cumin – Love this smoky yet not spicy addition.
Dried oregano – Crush in your hand before adding to release the oils in this dried herb.
Salt – A must in any chicken marinade.
Ground black pepper – Gives a little bite. Add more if you’d like.

Ingredients in a southwest chicken recipe

Can I Freeze Southwest Chicken Tenders?

YES YES YES!

This recipe is one of my go-to freezer meals. It’s so easy to scale up and make multiple batches at once.

HOW TO FREEZE:

Combine all ingredients except the chicken tenders in a large freezer bag, seal, and shake. Add chicken tenders, seal tightly, and shake again. Label and freeze.

HOW TO THAW AND PREPARE:

Place the frozen chicken in the fridge and let thaw for about 24 hours. If you need your chicken defrosted sooner, use one of these safe thawing methods.

Southwest Chicken recipe in a freezer bag

How Should I Cook Southwest Chicken Tenders?

The two best ways to prepare southwest chicken tenders are:

Grill it!

Grill chicken tenders over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side. Chicken is done when there is no longer any pink inside or it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. (source)

Bake it!

Bake at 425°F for about 15 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking time. Chicken is done when there is no longer any pink inside or it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. (source)

How Should I Serve Southwest Chicken Tenders?

Here are some ways to use your chicken tenders:

Serve them in Southwest Chicken and Bacon Wraps. This is my personal favorite, and I make it all the time for groups.

2. Use it for Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls. We love this option, because everyone can personalize their own bowl.

3. Turn it into a chicken sandwich like the Gourmet Grilled Chicken Sandwich.

Create the ultimate chicken sandwiches for any weeknight by prepping and freezing all the components ahead of time. This well-seasoned, versatile grilled chicken also works to top pasta or salads.

4. Dice the chicken and use on top of a salad, perhaps with our Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette.

However you serve it, be sure to double and freeze a batch for later. Your crew is going to love this southwest chicken recipe!

Southwest chicken tenders after being grilled

Rachel Tiemeyer

As co-founder of Thriving Home, Rachel dreams about creating recipes (literally) and uses her husband, her 3 kids, and even the neighbors as guinea pigs several nights a week. She believes that good food has the power to bring families and friends closer together and continues to wake up excited about her job each day, even after 10+ years!